UpCycling - Who invented the word?

Well, first of all, since I used this picture from the internet, let me introduce the blog/site from which I borrowed.  http://www.upcycling.co.uk/   I haven't read too many posts, however, love the diversity and the promotion of upcycling.

Now, while I borrowed the logo/picture, you may be surprised to know that I didn't borrow the word from her site or any other site.  Some years back, I decided to advertise my costumes online and wondered what word or words would properly describe such endeavors.  I was chatting to my good friend Danielle D. and she suggested marketing it as recycling or upcycling.

I asked her - "What is upcycling?"  I still remember the little laugh she gave as she admitted she didn't know if it was a word, but that it made sense.  I wasn't recycling used item such as a thrift shop, but taking something old, new, or traditional and changing it.  Changing it to something more exciting.

So, I googled it. What else would one do?  I googled the word "upcycle".  NOTHING was to be found on about 5 pages.  Miss spelled words, and related content, and of course recycling.  But nothing on upcycling.  So, I thought to myself, "Well, it might be cheesy to advertise with a homemade word, but I'll try it.   And I did.

Now, the word is everwhere.  Why didn't I trade mark it? Could it really be that I was the first one to use it online?  Did Danielle actually invent the word for one of the biggest trends hitting the planet?  I like to think so. Wikipedia says Etsy has been trending it since 2010, also that it was first coined in 1997, but I still think she coined it herself as well.

Now, I told her this, and she couldn't remember having said it.  Laughingly asked me if she really had.  So, maybe she heard it somewhere.  But I truly think, we started the trend on the internet!  At least according to my first google search we did!

Love to hear how others stumbled upon the concept.

~Welcome~

The First Design

Dress-up has always held great appeal to me. As a child , I walked down my grandfather’s hallway with a sheer pillow case on my head and a curtain draped across my shoulders—in my imagination: A beautiful bride. I had found the cast off items in the spare room closet, delicate, white, and beautiful. My uncle handed me a dandelion. My hallway procession was just the beginning of many costumes.

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So, that is how it started. In the near future, I hope to post pictures of the outfits created for various re-enactments, costume socials, and festivals. Although most of the outfits are Victorian Era and early 1900s, we have made a few party costumes.
Many have asked me if I sew the dresses and what patterns I have used. I haven't really used patterns. All outfits are made from old cast offs. Unlike professional costume designers, old clothes are purchased from second hand stores and altered to create the desired look. Professional designs are often costly and sewing from a pattern is largely time consuming.
I strive to provide authentic costumes at a reasonable cost, recycling clothing, turning something old into something beautiful. I am often enthusiastically joined by my friends and sisters in this endeavor. My blog is both a display and a tribute to their advice, photography, design, and general friendship. Together, we plan to bring these costumes to your doorstep and hopefully entertain you with historical quotes, facts, and fun. Enjoy my blog!


~Ashley
Of the Ash Tree Meadow, Designs. (c) 2010